Learning to Be the Boss

Learning to Be the Boss

Learning to Be the Boss2019-05-062019-04-26https://epsilonnutau.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/ENT_revisedlogo.pngEpsilon Nu Tauhttps://epsilonnutau.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/learning-to-be-the-boss.jpg200px200px

The reason you set out to be an entrepreneur can be completely different from people next to you. But what puts you all in the same boat is you’re the boss. When you first start a company, you might be the only employee. Even if you have a partner or two, that small group makes up the C-suite. Starting out, you all will be focusing on making money. As your company grows, you’ll need to add employees. It’s not as easy as just placing an add and then signing paychecks. Learning to be the boss is its own critical skill set.

Know When to Hire an Employee

There’s no set rule about when the right time to hire an employee is. However, there are cues you can take to let you know whether it’s the right time.

Don’t Hire When You’re Desperate

Being desperate is never a good thing. Decisions made in desperation never usually pan out. If you find you’re making a hiring decision in a desperate state of mind, you may not be making the best decision for your company. Instead, take a step back and evaluate what’s on your plate. Put off any unnecessary tasks for the time being and think whether hiring someone new is beneficial.

Hire When You Have a Clear Plan in Mind

Never go into a hiring stage without a plan for employees in your mind. You’ll end up wasting their times and yours as well. As you’re planning whether it’s the right time to hire someone, evaluate if you think he or she will have enough to do. If you think there’s enough for a potential employee to do, it’s time to hire someone. If not, keep the plan in the back of your mind. It may be needed as your business picks up.

Hire a Contract Employee as a Trial Run

If you’re unsure a full-time employee is for you, hire a contract worker. Draft a contract and hire someone temporarily with the skillset you’re looking for. This is the time to be as specific as possible in the skills section. You determine the length of the contract and stay in communication with the freelancer. At the end of the trial run, see what they have to say about the amount of work. Depending on the answer, you can hire them on or send them on their way.

Hire if You’re Turning Down Work

You can’t change how many hours are in the day. If you find you’re turning down work from potential clients because you don’t have time, it’s time to consider hiring an employee. Having someone to delegate work to can increase the amount of business you’re bringing in. This eventually leads to more money coming into your company.

Starting Your Employee on the Right Foot and Feel Valued

Chances are, the first employee you hire that isn’t a part of your C-suite will stick around. Getting started on the right foot and making sure new hires feel valued will go a long way in keeping everyone satisfied. After all, Forbes reports companies that invest in their employees are more likely to earn a higher profit.

Involve Everyone Necessary in Interviewing

Peace and harmony in the workplace is something to aspire to. While you and another member of your C-suite may get along swimmingly with the new hire, someone else may not. Conflict may pop up from time to time, and you don’t want everyone continually butting heads. Including everyone your new hire interacts with regularly in the interview process can cut down on the potential for constant conflict.

Put Onboarding in Place Early

Before you start hiring, have onboarding programs in place. That way, you can narrow down what you want to showcase your new hire about the company. This includes teaching about company culture. If you’re unsure what you want your company culture to be, talk it over with the members of your C-suite. Letting your new hire know what you expect of them in the workplace will go a long way in retaining them.

Start Team-Building Early

Team building doesn’t have to be trust falls and ropes courses. It can be taking your new hire to lunch or showing them the best place to get coffee near the office. Showing your new employee you care about them as an employee and a person will go a long way. The sooner you start, the more likely your new hire will feel like part of the team.

Listen to What Your Employee is Saying

One of the most crucial skills you need as a boss is listening. Hiring your first employee is going to be a learning experience. For you and your employee. If your employee comes to you with concerns, don’t brush them off. Listen to what they have to say. Your employee will be valued, you’ll know they’re engaged in what they’re doing, and it will prevent any further hiccups.

As your business grows, adding employees is inevitable. Don’t resist adding new voices. It will only benefit your company in the long run.